North East MPs line up behind Beith’s bid to become Speaker

May 21 2009 by William Green, The Journal

VETERAN Labour MP Ronnie Campbell has declared Sir Alan Beith is his “number one” choice to become the new Commons Speaker.

In a further boost, former Cabinet minister Hilary Armstrong said Berwick MP Sir Alan had “gravitas” and should stand for the key post after current Speaker Michael Martin announced he would quit next month.

Liberal Democrat Sir Alan has also won support on Facebook, the social networking website, with a group set up to back his bid to become Speaker.

The developments came as Sir Alan told The Journal he claimed around £5,000 to replace a 1960s kitchen and install new appliances in his London flat three years ago. His wife paid the other half of the bill. Sir Alan said he had always rented accommodation in the same block of flats for 30 years and that the kitchen, along with second-hand appliances, needed changing.

He also inadvertently claimed for his television licence twice in one year, but immediately put a cheque in the post to correct the mistake.

“I think members understand we have got to have accommodation. The very fact I have rented all this time shows I wasn’t out to make a profit from the allowances,” said Sir Alan.

Sir Alan added he received many encouraging messages after The Journal revealed he is in the running to become the next Commons Speaker.

Outlining his manifesto, he said: “The next Speaker has got to take a lead in reform, carrying through this process of making sure all the pay and expenses are dealt with outside the House.” The MP added the Commons needed overhauling to ensure it serves the public and held the Government properly to account and better consider laws currently rushed through Parliament.